Kolkata: Ritwik Ghatak's grand daughter dies, mother suspects murder

Mystery shrouds the death of eminent filmmaker Ritwik Ghatak's granddaughter, Aditi Ghatak, who died in an accident in Sonarpur's Kheyada area, in the South 24-Parganas, on the night of November 30.

The 21-year-old's relatives have lodged a complaint with the police, holding her friends responsible for her death. The police have already begun an investigation into the allegations.

"We think she was murdered. She might've been drugged and, after that, she was left alone and couldn't get out of the car. My daughter never goes out without informing me. We've appealed to the police for a proper inquiry into her death," Sanghita Ghatak, Aditi's mother, told HT.

Upon learning about the police complaint, state urban development minister Firhad Hakim visited the Ghataks' Chetla residence and spoke to Aditi's mother.

"I've told the Sonarpur police to conduct an inquiry," Hakim said after his visit.

A college student, Aditi had gone for a picnic on November 30 with some of her friends, but kept her guardians completely in the dark about the excursion. While returning, the car she was in overturned near a pond.

"According to the statements of her relatives, everybody else escaped, leaving Aditi trapped inside the car for almost two hours. Finally, the locals rescued her and admitted her to a hospital nearby," Hakim added.

There were three more people apart from Aditi inside the vehicle. One of these was Aditi's male friend, Gyandat Patar, who was driving the car, which belonged to his elder brother. However, Patar's relatives rubbished the allegations of his involvement in the accident.

"On Saturday, we received a complaint through the Tiljala police station. The vehicle they were travelling in overturned and fell into a ditch," Pravin Tripathi, superintendent of police, South 24-Parganas, said.

"THE complainant accused Gyandat Patar of reckless driving. We heard that two other women were also in the vehicle. We have started an inquiry," Tripathi added. Alisha Poddar, a friend and neighbour of Aditi, said she had met the victim on Saturday evening.

"After chatting for some time, she left in the car," Poddar added.

The police have also learned that a certain Tania was also with the group. The police will summon all those involved, including Tania, for questioning.